For many Memphis residents, prescription drugs are necessary to help with extreme pain and other ailments. Tennessee has strict controlled medication laws that makes it difficult for those who need these medications to get them. And for those who have these medications without a prescription there are serious consequences for possession.
Controlled medications in Tennessee have recently received much attention from the state government. In the past few years, the state has tightened its laws regarding these substances. Opioids such as oxycodone, benzodiazepines including Xanax, barbiturates and carisoprodol now require regular drug screenings for patients who have a prescription. Also pain management clinics no longer dispense medications, only pharmacies. Patient’s drug histories are also entered into a statewide database. These measures are in place to cut down on prescription drug abuse across Tennessee which consistently ranks as one of the top states for prescription drug abuse.
With all of these safeguards in effect, it can be hard for people to get the medication they need. If a person is caught with these medications and does not have a prescription they can receive serious consequences. Possession of these drugs is a felony and can lead to thousands of dollars in fines and years in prison.
Those who have found themselves arrested on possession of prescription drugs may want to speak with a legal professional skilled in criminal law. An attorney can work with their client and make sure their side of the story is being told. They can aggressively defend against prescription drug charges.
Source: lcle.la.gov, “Tennessee drug statutes chart”, accessed on Aug. 10, 2015
